This paper describes a unique crossed electrode array for real-time volume ultrasound imaging. By placing orthogonal linear array electrode patterns on the opposite sides of a hemispherically shaped composite transducer substrate, a 2-D array can be fabricated using a small fraction of the elements required for a traditional 2-D array. The performance of the array is investigated using a computer simulation of the radiation pattern. We show that by using a 288-element crossed electrode pattern it is possible to collect large field of view volume images (60 degrees x 60 degrees sector) at real-time frame rates (>20 volume images/s), with image contrast and resolution comparable to what can be obtained using a conventional 128-element linear phased array.
A crossed-array transducer for real-time threedimensional imaging has been developed along with an accompanying transmit pulser and beamforming system. The system incorporates novel design features that address the unique constraints and requirements imposed by the crossedarray construction. These developments include a 1-3 composite with radially apodized polarization; a bipolar ±100V pulser with variable frequency and delay control, and a low-impedance ground in the off-state; and a transmit beamformer with a computer interface to monitor and control the system. Experimental results demonstrate the system to have a 3dB beamwidth of 2mm at 60mm depth (f/1.4) and 4mm at 80mm depth (f/1.8). The beam-shape has excellent confinement along the focused axis, and the defocused orthogonal plane reaches a maximum intensity drop of 6dB over a 45° sector.
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